Sedentary adolescent patients at the Parkridge Valley Child and Adolescent campus have lost a collective 280 pounds by participating in the facility’s new exercise program.
The exercise program was coordinated by Jenny Prewitt, Social Services representative, and David Hoover, Project Adventure manager, to educate and motivate high-risk kids in a behavioral health setting about participating in physical exercise, making healthier choices, and forming good habits even after they leave Parkridge Valley.
Ms. Prewitt started a running program where kids tracked each mile by counting laps around the field or gym, and received certificates for reaching major milestones. One female patient even ran a total of 100 miles before recently being discharged from Parkridge Valley. Hoover took the kids to different tracks and trails in the community, exposing them to the variety of fitness resources available for free.
Kids were able to show off their progress at the one mile race named “Run for Your Burger” that took place on July 3. Fifty-five kids, ages 7-18, participated in the race.
“It was one of the best things that I have been a part of in 30 years of working with children,” said Nancy Toth, assistant chief nursing officer at Parkridge Valley. “Our recreational therapy staff and social workers were big cheerleaders. All the nurses and mental health technicians have their parts, too. Watching the kids and staff just made me proud.”